Thrissur is a city situated in the Thrissur District of Kerala state, India. It is an important cultural centre, and is known as the "cultural capital" of Kerala. It is famous for the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. The festival is held near the Vadakkumnathan temple, in April or May. It has a large number of well-known temples, the Thiruvambady temple, the Vadakkunathan temple and the Parmekkavu temple.

Origin of Name

The name Thrissur is derived from 'Thiru-Shiva-Perur', which literally translates to "the place with three famous Shiva temples", which are said to be - the Vadakkunathan temple, Kottapuram Shiva temple and the Punkunnam Shiva temple. (Alternately, the name can be parsed as 'Thiru-Siva-Perur', the place with the holy name of Siva). Thrissur was also known as Vrishabhadripuram and Then Kailasam (Kailasam of the south) in ancient days.

History

From ancient times, Thrissur district has played a significant part in the political history of south India. The early political history of the district is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur district was included in the early Chera Empire.
The district can claim to have played a significant part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala and the outside world in the ancient and medieval period. It can also claim to have played an important part in fostering cultural relations and in laying the foundation of a cosmopolitan and composite culture in this part of the country. Kodungalloor which had the unique distinction of being the 'Premium Emporium India' also belongs to the signal honor of having first given shelter to all the three communities which have contributed to the prosperity of Malabar. These three communities are the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims.
Thrissur was for a brief period, the capital of the Cochin kingdom. The Shaktan Thampuran palace, which was the abode of the Cochin king, Shaktan Thampuran or Raja Rama Varma, was recently renovated by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India)

Geography

Thrissur is situated in south western India 10.52° N 76.21° E and is in the central part of Kerala state, India. Thrissur is at sea level and spans an area of about 66.15 km². The center of the city is the Vadakkumnathan temple located on a small hillock.
The city enjoys a tropical climate, the monsoons start in June. The months of April-May can get pretty humid which is also one of the best times to visit the city for the famed Thrissur Pooram. The best weather is from October to February.

Economy

Thrissur is one of the leading centers in the trade of Gold Ornaments in Kerala. Almost all major jewellery shops have their braches in the city. Thrissur is also known for its chit companies. Around 2,000 such companies are located in Thrissur city itself.

Transport

Thrissur is well connected to other cities in Kerala. It has good connectivity by both Rail and Road and is within 35 km from the new Kochi International Airport and 80 km from the Kozhikode Airport. Thrissur Railway Station is on the artery of the railway line that connects the Southern part of Kerala with the rest of India. Thrissur also lies on the National Highway NH-47. It is well connected to nearby Cities and Towns like Kochi, Kozhikode and Palakkad. Thrissur has one KSRTC Bus Station and three Private Bus Stands. The southern private bus stand is named after the ruler Sakthan Thampuran and is in S.T.Nagar. The Northern Bus Stand is known as Wadake Stand, which is a translation for Northern Bus Stand in the local language Malayalam. The third bus stand is at the M.O. Road and is called The Municipal Bus Stand.

Demographics

Hindus constitute the bulk of the population of this city. Other communities are Christians and Muslims.
The Ezhava constitute the most important caste among the Hindus of Thrissur. Now a vast majority of them have taken to agriculture while others have been absorbed in Government service and other professions. The Nairs are also numerically one of the strongest communities in Thrissur. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes also form a significant section among the Hindus of the district.
Christians form the second largest community in the district. The Syrian Catholics, Latin Catholics, Jacobites, the Reformed Syrians and Protestants are some of the main sections of the Christian Community in the district. There have been several survivals of Hindu customs among the Christians such as caste prejudice, belief in astrology, omens, witchcraft and charms, the tying of the Tali as part of the marriage ceremony and its removal on the death of the husband, the performance of Sradha or the Annual ceremony for the soul of the dead etc.

Culture

Thrissur is built around a hillock, crowned by the famous Vadakkunathan (Siva) Temple, believed to have been founded by legendary Parasurama. The temple is a classical example of Kerala style of architecture and houses several sacted shrines. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya spent his last days here.
Thrissur also has added to its name The Church of Our Lady of Dolors, popularly known as the New Church. It is the biggest church in South Asia. The first church of India is also situated in Thrissur, the St. Thomas church at Palayoor. The Metropolitan of the Chaldean Syrian Church (the name used for the Church of the East in India) is also headquartered in Thrissur, and many religious publications are printed by Mar Narsai Press. The largest christian piligrim centre in the district, St.Joseph's Shrine is situated at Pavaratty.
Saint Thomas (Apostle) is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (Formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The Saint Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.
The major cultural attraction is the Thrissur Pooram festival, celebrated during April - May, the Elephant Umbrella competition is spectacular, as richly caparisoned elephants carrying ceremonial umbrellas take the deity around the main temple. The passionate drum concerts and the spectacular firework displays are all part of the Pooram celebration
Kerala Sahithya Akademy, Sangeetha Nataka Akademy and Kerala Lalithakala Academy are head quartered at Thrissur making the epithet 'cultural capital of Kerala' more meaningful.

Media

The leading newspapers of Kerala Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi, Desabhimani, Kerala Koumudi and Deepika have Thrissur editions.

Sports

Thrissur has a lot of Sporting tradition behind it. The veteran footballer I.M.Vijayan hails from this city.
Thrissur has a floodlit Football Stadium, known as The Corporation Stadium near North Bus Stand. It also has an Indoor Badminton Court and a Sports Authority of India (SAI) maintained Swimming Pool with International facilities.